Matter in Ecosystems

In a food chain, matter passes from one ________ to the next.

• ecosystem
• organism
• nutrient
• producer

A __________ is a living thing that breaks down plant and animal matter into simpler substances.

• nutrient
• producer
• consumer
• decomposer

A __________ eats other organisms in order to obtain energy.

• nutrient
• producer
• consumer
• decomposer

A __________ makes its own food using light energy from the sun.

• nutrient
• producer
• consumer
• decomposer

How could you best classify the image below?

• producer

• consumer

• decomposer

Which fact is true about the organism pictured below?

• It can create its own food.

• It contains nutrients that will eventually be passed on to other organisms.

• It survives by feeding on dead consumers.

• It may use water that has been a part of our ecosystem since the time of the dinosaurs.

The energy animals need to survive originates from:

• air

• the sun

• soil

• water

Which organisms below feed on dead consumers in order to break down matter? Select all that apply:

• ant

• worm

• mushroom

• monkey

• beetle

Which sentence best explains how matter is transferred through an ecosystem?

• The nutrients and energy from one organism are passed on when an organism consumes another.

• Matter changes one organism from a consumer to a producer.

• A decomposer transfers its nutrients and energy into the soil so that other animals can consume it.

• All plants and animals receive their energy and nutrients directly from the sun.

Which of the following belongs in the empty box in the food chain?

• Iguana

• Cow

• Worm

• Grass